Upside Down

I saw this bug right outside my sliding door. Didn’t think much of it, then…

It reminded of what Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says: Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

When you feel upside down and just can’t get up, isn’t it wonderful to have someone come alongside and give you a hug, a smile, a word of encouragement.

I almost ignored this bug. It will get up somehow, but for some reason God didn’t allow me to continue. I finally went out and turned this bug right side up. It stood there for a while, kind of trying to figure out what just happened. Then it soared on its wings.

What a picture of how often I ignore that person who might need a touch from me, who might need me to help them stand on their feet. Who might need that extra encouragement in order that they may fly and soar on wings of eagle.

Hummmmm, wow! Let me ponder this one some more.

The Call

In October 2005 God gave my daughter, Angie a Scripture – a Call.

Isaiah 54:5 – For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is His name;
and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole
earth.

“I AM your husband Angie”

God pierced my heart to a depth I had not known before. As Mary I pondered this in my heart. The LORD spoke to my heart and asked me to relinquish and surrender all the hold I had on my special-precious child. “Yes, she is mine.” He said to me, “when I say go, she will go. As when there is a wedding, once the vows are exchanged The Bride is to go wherever The Husband says. The parents have no more say. So when I say go, do not hinder her from going – she is mine.”

Yes, I had forgotten this encounter with My Maker. He so gently reminded me.

Yes, Angie is following the voice of Her Husband, Her Maker – JESUS. In this there is peace; in this there is rest. God is with her wherever she goes.

“No life is more secure than a life surrendered to God”

Got to Keep on Singing

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100)

HIS Schedule

Yes, my friends we are moving at the speed of light around here. Lists, lists, lists. Check, check, check. – you get the point. At times I simply want to run and scream, but God in His abundant mercy and grace KNOWS exactly what I need.

Right smack in the middle of a frantic pace the electricity went out in parts of my home. Immediately I went into the fix it mode. Yes, we could not miss a beat, too much to do still. However, all my efforts availed to nothing. The problem couldn’t be fixed; believe you me, I tried. This happened on Tuesday late afternoon. We finally realized that we needed to call an electrician. I was told by my insurance company that, “A technician will be by tomorrow”. Good enough.

Wednesday started with my to-do-list on hand. Then, as I washed my dishes, I read a Scripture card that said, “Be still and know that I AM God”. Yes, God stopped me on my tracks and silenced and quieted this fast pace. So as I waiting around for the electrician to show up, I put away the to-do-list and sat and spent a wonderful time with my Jesus. In fact, at one point I closed my eyes, I was so relaxed that I actually took a nap. I continued with the thought of simply spending time in quietness with My LORD. What I would have categorized as a lost day, in my hurried pace, was actually a very fruitful day spiritually.

The electrician finally showed up late afternoon, but by this time I KNEW he was right on time. He came when God meant for him to come and fixed the problem. We were then able to go to church. I receive such encouragement from the Word of God. Yes, He is in control. Yes, He will provide. Yes, He cares. Yes, He keeps His promises to me. Seek first His kingdom and ALL else will be added (it sure will).
Keep praying for us. Keep praying for this mother’s heart that is feeling the pain of separation.

Ramblings

The inevitable has begun. Yesterday we spent some time with my in-laws. As we were getting ready to leave Angie had to say her good-byes to her grandparents (my hubby’s mom and dad). My mother-in-law took it the hardest and in fact began to cry (I’ve only seen my mother-in-law cry like this once before). Angie stood by her grandma really dumbfounded (later Angie said she did not expect this). Angie bent down and hugged her grandma and they cried together. Angie left visibly shaken. I simply held her as we walked to the car.

There are those times that I, as a mother, wish I could make all things better for my children. When I wish I could shelter them from every storm of life, every pain that they encounter, yet I can’t, I’m not supposed to. Only God can be there for them and can make it better and can use all for His glory and to make them into the person that HE intended them to be.

This season of my mothering is gut-wrenching at times. On one hand I am rejoicing at the fact that one of my children is going off to serve Her LORD and Master Jesus Christ (don’t get me wrong this is extremely difficult for me. My daughter and I are very close and I am going to miss her terribly, but in the grand scope of eternity she will only be gone but for a moment). On the other hand I am watching the self-destruction of my other child. How helpless I feel when a seed of my womb continues to dig himself deeper and deeper into the miry clay. How I long for the “omnipotence” to make it all whole and well.

YET…

YET…I word that carries with it hope, that tells me that this is not the end but only a path to the end. A word that brings light to this dark and deep hole. It reminds me of Habakkuk when he recounted all that was “bad/fruitless”, then he “recalls” and ends with YET I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places…(Habakkuk 3:18-19)

You know I wonder how parents that don’t have Jesus as their LORD and Savior survive. Because my hope, my assurance comes from KNOWING that the same God that will care for my daughter wherever she goes is the same God that will take my son out of the miry clay and set his feet upon the Rock which is Jesus Christ. The same God that keeps one can save the other and can bring me JOY and PEACE in the midst of it all. I don’t need to figure it all out; all I need is to continue keeping my eyes fixed upon Jesus the author and finisher of my faith.

“Whatever I keep in my hands, I will lose. But whatever I set in the hands of Jesus will never be lost.”

My Daughter's Blog

We have started a blog for my daughter, Angie. We will keep you all posted through this blog about her comings and goings - please continue to pray for us - Thank you.

Angie's Blog

Praise and Prayer Time

Last night I had the privilege of getting to go to the Women’s Praise and Prayer at Calvary Chapel Rancho Cucamonga. (On a total side note – why do I say privilege? So often we take for granted what we have or are able to do. You see, there was a time when I could come and go “freely”, a conference here, a retreat there, a study over here. And yes, I had the freedom to not go just because, too tired, too busy, etc. I took my “freedom” for granted. Then my circumstances changed and now I can’t “just go”. Yet, I find that now when I do get the privilege to go I go with an expectant heart, ready to receive because I can’t do this all the time. I come away refreshed, renewed, revived and yes, strengthened and encouraged to carry on.)

Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Hebrews 13:15 – By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.

Revelation 5:8 – And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of the saints.

We had an incredible extended time of worship in song. A short devotional and a time of waiting upon the LORD and the exercising of the gifts of the Spirit.

We were first asked to meditate upon Psalm 95:1-3 and Psalm 100.

Worship = caught up in God’s love and His presence; where our heart meets His; We see the LORD in all His glory (wow!)

Janice shared with us from Ephesians 3:14-21 - Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians while in jail. Paul’s prayer concentrated on others instead of self, even though Paul could have been asking for his own personal deliverance.

She shared 6 points from Paul’s prayer:
1. v. 16 he prays for strength (Acts 1:8; Isaiah 40:29-31, 41:10) – Are you worn out? Our you walking in defeat?

2. v. 17 he prays that Christ may dwell in their hearts – Is Christ at home in my heart?

3. v. 17 that ye being rooted and grounded in love – are my roots deep? Am I grounded in the love of God?

4. v. 18 that they would be able to comprehend the breadth, and length, and depth, and heights of God’s love – Am I embracing, holding tightly and resting in this love?

5. v. 19 to know the love of Christ – to I know this love personally?

6. v. 19 be filled with all the fullness of God – do I know the fullness of God? (Isaiah 11)

And even thought Paul’s prayer was so deep and thorough, Paul still ends this prayer by saying, “Now to Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Paul knew that God could do even more than he was asking – wow!

Meditate upon these Scriptures, Psalm 29:1-2; 96:1-9; 24:1-10.

The words from the LORD gave me answers for my cares and concerns – God’s Word is so powerful!

BE STILL MY SOUL – HE IS GOD!

(Amen! Thank you Jesus!!!)

Girls Summer Tea

There are beginnings and then there inevitably has to be an ending. This Saturday we had the priviledge of honoring our churches Jr. High and High School girls. In June they began a Purity Study. Loyda and Angie were used mightly by the LORD to facilitate these studies. As the older ladies prayed and came along side the young ladies, it was a priviledge to witness the culmination of it all. We, of course, anticipate much fruit to abound from these studies.

The girls were greeted by the "older ladies". Then they were pampered as they received a hand washing, massage and some beautiful lace gloves - they all enjoyed it, as well as the women enjoyed giving back to our next generation. Then they were treated to a scrumptuous meal with it ending with browinies, ice cream and chocolate covered strawberries - yummm!

To God be the glory for all that was done. Thank you to all that prayed for these studies and this event, it wouldn't have had the success it had without these prayers. Also, thank you to all the hands that helped in every shape and form. It takes the whole Body of Christ to bring together these kinds of events.

Looking forward, with expectant hearts, to what is to come.

God's Provision

The LORD had put it on our hearts to give some kind of token to the girls for finishing their Purity Study (too many details come into just this one sentence, but I don’t want to bore you with that). Anyhow, our budget for the Girls Tea (I will post later on the tea) was ZERO. We had some ideas for raising money, but all came to nothing. However, once again, God showed Himself able and willing to provide for all of our needs. He used some of His saints to provide for all that was needed – and I do mean all.

The gift – wow! What an endeavor. Lots of ideas, lots of desires, but…

Then you run into lots of red tape and logistics as you try to put together a “church event” (my goodness, you would think that we are trying to conquer the world!) Suffice it to say that lots and lots of prayer had to go into this whole endeavor (nothing is too small or too big for our God – Hallelujah!).

We finally came up with the bracelet below:

Yes, this was it and we had to settle for it (too much detail). And even this was a stretch.

BUT GOD…this is all I would have to say. He had other plans and purposes. One of His Dear Saints came into the picture – just at the right time (this so like God). This Saint donated her time, talent and yes, these bracelets!

Once again, My God is able to do abundantly exceedingly more than we ask or pray for – to God be the glory!

We so underestimated His willingness to give us ALL that we needed and then some. We were going to settle for what we could, in our humanness, do. Yet, He had something way better.

Thank you Jesus! And thank you to all we put in something to make this Study and Tea happen. To God be the Glory for ever and ever Amen!

Prayer Request

It seems like just yesterday my daughter, Angie came to me with, "Mom, I believe the LORD is leading me to go to this school."...and so it began. We are now, like it or not, in the need to get "ourselves" ready for her trip. The emotions are ever so varied - incredible highs and horrendous lows, yet through it all God is with us. Please pray for our entire family as we prepare. Please pray for my daughter as she seeks to be "obedient" to her Beloved's Call. God will be glorified in it all!

Bek's Bunnies

Thank you Pat for thinking of Bek and bringing these bunnies over for the enjoyment, not only of Bek, but for me as I see her brighten up when she opens the box. She came over again the other day and the first thing she asked for where her bunnies.

These bunnies used to belong to my friend's granddaughter who now has outgrown them. Thank you Pat!!!

The Everlasting God

Our Guests Stay

Humbled and Amazed

I remember sometime ago the LORD was teaching me about “humility”. I remember reading, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” and “humble yourself in the sight of the LORD and He will lift you up”. As I read and meditated upon what the LORD was sharing with me, I remember thinking, “O no what’s up ahead? LORD help me to humble myself and not to be in the position of needing to be humbled. What’s up ahead? God have mercy.” Yes, this shows you what flawed and warped thinking I have of My Heavenly Father.

The LORD in His abundant grace and mercy has been teaching me some lessons. Yes, things have been moving at the speed of light around here. We have had family from out of the country stay with us. I can honestly tell you that I have had joy and peace in the midst of it all. God has provided stamina and energy to keep up with this pace. In fact, My God has provided all that was needed in order to accomplish His will for this time of my and my families life.

In the midst of this visit I could have been busy thinking of the things that are up ahead, such as “A Young Girls Tea” here at my house, and the preparation for my daughter’s trip to Pennsylvania. However, God in His all-knowing grace did not allow me to think even once about the events of the future, but focused me only on the day at hand (Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:34). Now, don’t get me wrong, I am a planner and as such the LORD helped me to sit down before my guests arrived and set dates and plans on paper. Once I did this and set it upon my refrigerator I could go about the day to day busyness without a thought about missing any due dates or events.

One day in the midst of “the schedule” my internet went down. I normally let it work out itself (this has been happening a lot lately). But this day I decided to call my internet provider “interrupting” (so I thought) the “schedule” for the day. My guests ended up visiting with my nephew and his family on their own, while I waited for the internet guy to come by and check my modem. Yes, in my mind this was a glitch in the “schedule”, but God knew what I needed. As I sat waiting for the internet guy I picked up my Bible and the LORD so spoke to me. It was such an intimate time with My Jesus and I. I felt refreshed and encouraged. Then a dear friend of mine called and simply to pray for me. Once all this was done then…a knock at the door – what do you know, the internet guy is here and then my guests came home.

Another day another dear friend called and asked if they could come by my house. As I looked at the chaos around me I hesitated saying yes. This person sensing my hesitation said, “it will only take a few minutes”. I hesitantly said yes. This person came in and spoke to me privately and handed me money – yes money. This person said that the LORD had put it on their heart to bring me this money since before my guests arrived, but they hadn’t been able to get a hold of me. Yes, my friends, humbling indeed. God continued to provide for all-needs as I ventured into these foreign waters.

I could write some more, but suffice it to say that God humbled me. His humbling was gentle and loving. As He taught me these lessons, I always felt loved and encouraged. I always felt His tender touch, His Fatherly embrace.

Through it all I can say that many, many seeds were planted. Many stepped up to the plate and helped and shared with them. Thank you all who helped in so many different ways.

Jesus says, “My burden is light. My yoke is easy.”